Emily Beers, a junior at Air Academy of Colorado and member of the reigning Class 5A state champions, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing Oct. 28 at the Colorado High School Activities Association Cross Country Championships at Norris Penrose Events Center in Colorado Springs. The Kadets, who also captured a Class 4A crown in 2015, are looking to become the first Class 5A girls program to secure back-to-back state titles since Mountain Vista in 2017-18. Beers revisits Air Academy prevailing by a 63-126 margin last year against Mountain Vista in its debut in the Class 5A final and how beneficial the experience is returning to Norris Penrose Events Center this season. She reflects on the Kadets' victory at the Region 5 state qualifying meet Oct. 19 and Air Academy sweeping the top three spots and placing nine athletes in the top 15. Beers examines her consistency throughout the season and how encouraging her performances were in September in order to build confidence in preparation for the postseason. She explains the impact freshmen Chamorra Cooper and Mariah Hook have had on the Air Academy lineup, highlighting the poise and composure they have demonstrated during the regular season competing in larger fields at several elite meets. Beers also expresses gratitude for Air Academy coach Chuck Schwartz and his ability to interact and communicate individually with athletes, in addition to building team culture and a cohesive group approach to training and competition. She highlights how significant the connection and chemistry and trust among the Kadets has been in the success in recent years for the program. Beers speaks about the depth of the Air Academy roster and the ability for many athletes to have opportunities to race in the lead pack during competition. She shares how meaningful it is to compete against elite programs in Class 5A like Mountain Vista, Cherry Creek, Arapahoe, Valor Christian, Broomfield, Fossil Ridge and Fairview, and how that has continued to help prepare Air Academy for the state final, as well as Nov. 18 at the Nike Southwest Regional at Coyote Run Golf Course at Leisure World in Arizona, in addition to Dec. 2 at Nike Cross Nationals at Glendoveer Golf Course in Oregon. Beers also analyzes the potential regional and national matchups against Niwot, which is seeking its sixth consecutive Class 4A title Oct. 28 at Norris Penrose Events Center.